,,ii #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #cef ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,february #bb1 #bjba ,ms4 ,cortez ,masto introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to develop and improve the transportation workforce1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,transportation ,opportunities for ,professional ,service ,act or the ,,tops ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,task force on developing a #bast century surface transportation workforce4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions for transportation training and education programs4 ,sec4 #d4 ,transportation education and training program4 ,sec4 #e4 ,surface transportation workforce grants4 ,sec4 #f4 ,research and development strategic plan4 ,sec4 #g4 ,transportation workforce scanning tour and national summit4 ,sec4 #h4 ,report on barriers to work in emerging transportation technologies4 ,sec4 #i4 ,centers of ,excellence in transportation workforce training4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,transportation workforce outreach program4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,emerging technologies in the transportation workforce4 #b4 ,task force on developing a #bast century surface transportation workforce 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,apprenticeship-readiness program ,the term apprenticeship-readiness program means a program or set of strategies that-- 7,a7 is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship2 7,b7 is carried out by a local educational agency 7as defined in section #aja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja771 a ,state educational agency 7as defined in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja771 a local workforce development board established under section #ajg of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cabb71 a ,state workforce development board1 or a labor organization that has a documented partnership with not less than #a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship2 7,c7 includes a training program-- 7i7 that has a curriculum that is in accordance with industry standards and reviewed and approved annually by sponsors of the registered apprenticeships within the documented partnership1 that will prepare individuals by teaching the skills and competencies needed to enter #a or more registered apprenticeships2 and 7ii7 that provides hands-on training and theoretical education to individuals that-- 7,i7 accurately simulate the industry and occupational conditions of the registered apprenticeship program described in subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,,ii7 is carried out in a manner that-- 7aa7 includes proper observation of supervision and safety protocols2 and 7bb7 does not displace a paid employee2 and 7,d7 is encompassed in a formal agreement between a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an individual that-- 7i7 will enable an individual who successfully completes the apprenticeship-readiness program to enter directly into the registered apprenticeship1 if a place in the program is available2 and 7ii7 includes agreements with respect to earning credit recognized by an institution of higher education for skills and competencies acquired during the program4 7#b7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,transportation4 7#c7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#d7 ,intelligent transportation technology ,the term intelligent transportation technology means an operational system of various technologies that1 when combined and managed1 improve the operating capabilities of the overall transportation system4 7#e7 ,registered apprenticeship ,the term registered apprenticeship means an apprenticeship program registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq47 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act71 that satisfies the requirements of parts #bi and #cj of title #bi1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,january #a1 #bjbj74 7#f7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7#g7 ,state workforce development board ,the term ,state workforce development board means a ,state workforce development board established under section #aja of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caaa74 7#h7 ,task ,force ,the term ,task ,force means the task force established under subsection 7b74 7#i7 ,underrepresented individual ,the term underrepresented individual means-- 7,a7 an individual who belongs to a special population 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb772 7,b7 an individual with a barrier to employment 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb772 or 7,c7 an individual otherwise determined by the ,secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation workforce4 7#aj7 ,work-based learning ,the term work-based learning has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a task force on developing a #bast century surface transportation workforce4 7c7 ,duties of ,task ,force ,not later than #a year after the establishment of the ,task ,force under subsection 7b71 the ,task ,force shall develop and submit to the ,secretary recommendations and strategies for the ,department1 including-- 7#a7 an evaluation of the current and future state of the surface transportation workforce1 including projected job needs in the surface transportation sector2 7#b7 an identification of factors influencing individuals pursuing careers in surface transportation1 including barriers to attracting individuals into the surface transportation workforce2 7#c7 how to address barriers to retaining individuals in surface transportation careers2 7#d7 an identification of1 and how to address1 potential impacts of emerging technologies1 including intelligent transportation technologies1 on the surface transportation workforce2 7#e7 how to increase access for vulnerable or underrepresented individuals1 especially women and minorities1 to in-demand surface transportation careers2 7#f7 how to facilitate and encourage elementary1 secondary1 and post-secondary students in the ,united ,states to pursue careers in the surface transportation sector2 and 7#g7 an identification of ways to develop pathways for students and individuals to secure a position in an apprenticeship-readiness program1 a registered apprenticeship1 and other work-based learning opportunities in the surface transportation sector of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,consideration ,in developing recommendations and strategies pursuant to subsection 7c71 the ,task ,force shall-- 7#a7 identify factors1 including potential stigmas or misperceptions1 that influence whether young individuals pursue careers in surface transportation1 especially traditionally underrepresented individuals1 including women and minorities2 7#b7 consider how to address the potential stigmas or misperceptions described in paragraph 7#a7 that are affecting the workforce pool of underrepresented individuals in the surface transportation sector2 7#c7 consider how the ,department1 businesses1 industry1 labor1 educators1 and other stakeholders can coordinate efforts to support qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the surface transportation sector2 7#d7 identify methods of enhancing surface transportation apprenticeship-readiness programs and registered apprenticeships1 job skills training1 mentorships1 education1 and outreach programs that are exclusive to young individuals in the ,united ,states2 7#e7 identify methods to expand the expertise of the surface transportation workforce in skills in various types of intelligent transportation technologies1 components1 infrastructure1 and equipment2 7#f7 identify potential sources of funding1 including grants and scholarships1 that may be used to support young and other qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the surface transportation sector2 and 7#g7 ensure geographically diverse perspectives and solutions4 7e7 ,consultation ,in developing recommendations and strategies pursuant to subsection 7c71 the ,task ,force shall consult with-- 7#a7 local educational agencies and institutions of higher education1 including community colleges and vocational schools2 7#b7 ,state workforce development boards2 7#c7 local registered apprenticeships2 and 7#d7 surface transportation sector-related employers and planners4 7f7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,task ,force shall be composed of members1 as appointed by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b71 who come from diverse backgrounds and geographical regions and have the required expertise that will allow the members to contribute balanced viewpoints that will enable the ,task ,force to develop the recommendations and strategies required under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,appointment ,the ,task ,force shall be composed of members appointed by the ,secretary1 including representatives of-- 7,a7 industries in the surface transportation sector2 7,b7 labor organizations in the surface transportation sector2 7,c7 institutions of higher education2 and 7,d7 other experts and stakeholders in the surface transportation sector that the ,secretary determines appropriate1 including the consideration of geographical diversity and regional perspectives4 7#c7 ,terms ,each member shall be appointed for the life of the ,task ,force4 7#d7 ,compensation ,each member shall serve on the ,task ,force without compensation4 7g7 ,report ,not later than #fj days after the submission of the recommendations and strategies to the ,secretary required under subsection 7c71 and annually thereafter until ,september #cj1 #bjbd1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,environment and ,public ,works1 ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation1 ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs1 and ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committees on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the recommendations and strategies4 7h7 ,termination ,the ,task ,force shall terminate on the date on which the ,secretary submits the last report required under subsection 7g74 #c4 ,definitions for transportation training and education programs 7a7 ,training and education programs definitions ,section #ejd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7a7 through 7h7 as subsections 7b7 through 7i71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting before subsection 7b7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,apprenticeship-readiness program ,the term apprenticeship-readiness program means a program or set of strategies that-- 7,a7 is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship2 7,b7 is carried out by a local educational agency1 a ,state educational agency1 a local workforce development board1 a ,state workforce development board1 or a labor organization that has a documented partnership with not less than #a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship2 7,c7 includes a training program-- 7i7 that has a curriculum that is in accordance with industry standards and reviewed and approved annually by sponsors of the registered apprenticeships within the documented partnership1 that will prepare individuals by teaching the skills and competencies needed to enter #a or more registered apprenticeships2 and 7ii7 that provides hands-on training and theoretical education to individuals that-- 7,i7 accurately simulate the industry and occupational conditions of the registered apprenticeship program described in subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,,ii7 is carried out in a manner that-- 7aa7 includes proper observation of supervision and safety protocols2 and 7bb7 does not displace a paid employee2 and 7,d7 is encompassed in a formal agreement between a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an individual that-- 7i7 will enable an individual who successfully completes the apprenticeship-readiness program to enter directly into the registered apprenticeship1 if a place in the program is available2 and 7ii7 includes agreements with respect to earning credit recognized by an institution of higher education for skills and competencies acquired during the program4 7#b7 ,career and technical education ,the term career and technical education has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#c7 ,career pathway ,the term career pathway has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#d7 ,dual or concurrent enrollment program ,the term dual or concurrent enrollment program has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#e7 ,eligible agency ,the term eligible agency has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#f7 ,industry or sector partnership ,the term industry or sector partnership has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#g7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#h7 ,intelligent transportation technology ,the term intelligent transportation technology means an operational system of various technologies that1 when combined and managed1 improve the operating capabilities of the overall transportation system4 7#i7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#aj7 ,local workforce development board ,the term local workforce development board means a local workforce development board established under section #ajg of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cabb74 7#aa7 ,on-the-job training ,the term on-the-job training has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#ab7 ,program of study ,the term program of study has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#ac7 ,recognized postsecondary credential ,the term recognized postsecondary credential has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#ad7 ,registered apprenticeship ,the term registered apprenticeship means an apprenticeship program registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq47 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act71 that satisfies the requirements of parts #bi and #cj of title #bi1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,january #a1 #bjbj74 7#ae7 ,special populations ,the term special populations has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#af7 ,state educational agency ,the term ,state educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#ag7 ,state workforce development board ,the term ,state workforce development board means a ,state workforce development board established under section #aja of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caaa74 7#ah7 ,surface transportation workforce development1 training1 and education ,the term surface transportation workforce development1 training1 and education means activities associated with surface transportation career awareness1 student transportation career preparation1 and training and professional development for surface transportation workers1 including activities for women and minorities and training in various types of intelligent transportation technologies4 7#ai7 ,transportation sector ,the term transportation sector means an industry sector that is involved in construction1 manufacturing1 maintenance1 operation1 inspection1 logistics1 design1 or engineering with respect to transportation equipment1 materials1 technologies1 or infrastructure relating to surface1 transit1 railway1 aviation1 and maritime transportation4 7#bj7 ,underrepresented individual ,the term underrepresented individual means-- 7,a7 an individual who belongs to a special population2 7,b7 an individual with a barrier to employment 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb772 or 7,c7 an individual otherwise determined by the ,secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation workforce4 7#ba7 ,work-based learning ,the term work-based learning has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,training and education programs ,section #ejd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7e7 7as so redesignated71 by striking paragraph 7#d72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7f7 7as so redesignated71 by striking paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,tribal technical assistance centers ,section #bjb7;a77#g7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #ejd7;b7 and inserting section #ejd7;c74 7#c7 ,university transportation center programs ,section #eeje7;c7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,c77ii77,i71 by striking section #ejd7;b7 and inserting section #ejd7;c72 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c77;,d77ii77,i71 by striking section #ejd7;b7 and inserting section #ejd7;c72 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#d77;,b77ii77,i71 by striking section #ejd7;b7 and inserting section #ejd7;c74 #d4 ,transportation education and training program ,section #ejd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking subsection 7g7 7as redesignated by section #c7;a77#a77 and inserting the following3 7g7 ,transportation ,education and ,training ,program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,education and the ,secretary of ,labor1 shall establish a program to provide grants to support transportation sector education and workforce development projects 7referred to in this section as the program74 7#b7 ,grant authority ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary may award a grant on a competitive basis in accordance with this subsection4 7#c7 ,eligible recipients 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award a grant under the program to any partnership that includes1 at a minimum1 the following entities3 7i7 ,an institution of higher education4 7ii7 ,a ,state department of transportation4 7iii7 ,a metropolitan planning organization4 7iv7 ,not less than #b transportation sector employers4 7,b7 ,labor and joint labor-management organizations ,a partnership eligible for a grant under the program may include a labor or joint labor-management organization4 7#d7 ,eligible projects 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 grant funds awarded under the program may only be used to assist a project that includes not less than #b of the following activities3 7i7 ,developing1 implementing1 and assessing innovative programs of study with respect to a transportation sector4 7ii7 ,training educators to teach secondary or postsecondary career and technical education courses with respect to a transportation sector4 7iii7 ,increasing career recruitment and outreach to youth1 including through career counseling and career exploration opportunities1 to encourage participation in transportation sectors4 7iv7 ,developing on-the-job training and work-based learning opportunities1 including apprenticeship-readiness programs and registered apprenticeships1 with respect to a transportation sector4 7v7 ,increasing participation of underrepresented individuals1 including women1 in the transportation workforce4 7vi7 ,any other activity the ,secretary determines appropriate for education or workforce development in a transportation sector4 7,b7 ,exception ,if a project is in the construction or maintenance sector1 grant funds awarded under the program may only be used to develop apprenticeship-readiness programs that prepare individuals for acceptance into registered apprenticeships in that sector4 7#e7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible for a grant under the program1 a partnership referred to in paragraph 7#c7 shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate1 which shall include1 at a minimum1 a description of-- 7i7 how the partnership will use grant funds to assist an eligible project2 7ii7 the roles and responsibilities of each partner in assisting the project2 7iii7 any prior experience or demonstrated success in workforce development of a partner2 7iv7 the current and projected workforce shortages1 if any1 in the relevant transportation sector and how the project will address those shortages2 7v7 any promotion of the increased participation of underrepresented individuals1 including women1 in the transportation workforce that the project will provide2 7vi7 any recognized postsecondary credentials that participants in the project will be prepared for2 7vii7 any registered apprenticeships1 apprenticeship-readiness programs1 or other on-the-job training or work-based learning opportunities the project will provide2 and 7viii7 how the project will develop the skills of individuals in various types of intelligent transportation technologies and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies4 7,b7 ,priority ,in selecting partnerships referred to in paragraph 7#c7 to receive a grant under the program1 the ,secretary shall give priority to a partnership that includes a labor or joint labor-management organization4 7#f7 ,considerations ,in making a grant under the program1 the ,secretary shall consider-- 7,a7 geographical diversity2 7,b7 the degree to which an eligible project may address current or projected transportation workforce shortages2 7,c7 how the project will increase the skills of individuals in various types of intelligent transportation technologies1 and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies2 and 7,d7 if applicable1 the quality of any proposed on-the-job training or work-based learning opportunities to be provided4 7#g7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,maximum ,the amount of a grant under this subsection may not exceed #cjj1jjj4 7,b7 ,federal share 7i7 ,in general ,except as provided in clause 7ii71 the ,federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under the program shall be #ie percent4 7ii7 ,multiple grants ,after a recipient has received #b grants under the program1 the ,federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a subsequent grant under the program shall be not more than #ge percent4 7#h7 ,report ,a recipient of a grant under the program shall submit to the ,secretary1 at such time as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 a report that includes a description of-- 7,a7 how the grant funds were used2 7,b7 the education and employment outcomes for individuals participating in or benefitting from the project assisted with grant funds under the program 7referred to in this subparagraph as the participants71 disaggregated by special populations1 which shall include at a minimum-- 7i7 the percentage1 and median earnings1 of participants who are in unsubsidized employment by the date that is #ij days after exit from the project2 7ii7 the percentage of participants who are in unsubsidized employment by the date that is #ahj days after exit from the project2 7iii7 the percentage of participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential1 or a secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent during the project or not later than #a year after exit from the project2 and 7iv7 the percentage of participants who1 during the project-- 7,i7 enrolled in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment2 and 7,,ii7 developed skills necessary to receive such a credential or employment through such program1 including those skills in various types of intelligent transportation technologies and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies2 and 7,c7 the outreach efforts made to expand the awareness1 engagement1 and performance of the project for the students and workers in the geographical region4 4 #e4 ,surface transportation workforce grants ,section #ejd7;f77#a7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code 7as redesignated by section #c7;a77#a771 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by inserting 1 including development of the skills necessary to utilize emerging technologies1 such as intelligent transportation technologies after development2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by striking and at the end2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,g71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,h7 on-the-job training or work-based learning opportunities1 including apprenticeship-readiness programs and registered apprenticeships2 7,i7 activities to support the establishment of industry or sector partnerships2 7,j7 activities to increase the number of underrepresented individuals in the surface transportation workforce2 7,k7 activities to update facilities and equipment used in career and technical education programs of study2 and 7,l7 training that increases the skills of individuals in various types of intelligent transportation technologies and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies4 4 #f4 ,research and development strategic plan ,section #fejc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,g7 developing and maintaining a diverse workforce in transportation sectors2 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,intelligent transportation technology ,the term intelligent transportation technology means an operational system of various technologies that1 when combined and managed1 improve the operating capabilities of the overall transportation system4 7#b7 ,transportation sector ,the term transportation sector means an industry sector that is involved in construction1 manufacturing1 maintenance1 operation1 inspection1 logistics1 design1 or engineering with respect to transportation equipment1 materials1 technologies1 including intelligent transportation technologies1 or infrastructure relating to surface1 transit1 railway1 aviation1 and maritime transportation4 4 #g4 ,transportation workforce scanning tour and national summit 7a7 ,workforce development scanning tour ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in coordination with the ,task ,force established under section #b and the ,intelligent ,transportation ,systems ,joint ,program ,office of the ,department of ,transportation1 shall conduct a national and international scanning tour of surface transportation agencies1 including ,state and local departments of transportation1 public transit agencies1 rail agencies1 and other similar entities1 to identify critical future investment in workforce development1 particularly investments related to enhancing the technology skills of the personnel that operate and maintain surface transportation systems1 infrastructure1 and vehicles4 7b7 ,national summit on transportation workforce development ,the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in coordination with the ,task ,force established under section #b1 shall jointly host a ,national ,summit on ,transportation ,workforce ,development-- 7#a7 to engage public and private stakeholders2 and 7#b7 to develop training and initiatives based on previous findings by the ,intelligent ,transportation ,systems ,joint ,program ,office of the ,department of ,transportation and the scanning tour under subsection 7a74 #h4 ,report on barriers to work in emerging transportation technologies ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct1 and submit to ,congress a report on the results of1 a study that identifies issues relating to workforce development in intelligent transportation technologies and zero-emissions transportation technologies1 including-- 7#a7 any shortages of skilled employees in the fields of intelligent transportation technologies and zero-emissions transportation technologies2 7#b7 issues relating to the transition of workers from traditional vehicle manufacturing1 operation1 and maintenance to the intelligent and zero-emissions transportation workforce2 7#c7 issues relating to the transition of workers from traditional surface transportation installation1 construction1 manufacturing1 operation1 and maintenance to incorporation into the intelligent transportation workforce2 and 7#d7 examples of successful models of workforce development in the fields of intelligent transportation technologies and zero-emissions transportation technologies4 #i4 ,centers of excellence in transportation workforce training ,section #ejd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after subsection 7i7 7as redesignated by section #c7;a77#a77 the following3 7j7 ,centers of excellence in transportation workforce training 7#a7 ,designation ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this subsection1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,education and the ,secretary of ,labor1 shall designate certain geographically diverse consortia of #b-year institutions of higher education as ,community and ,technical ,college ,centers of ,excellence in ,transportation ,workforce ,training 7referred to in this section as a ,center of ,excellence7 in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,criteria for designation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall designate as a ,center of ,excellence under paragraph 7#a7 a consortium the ,secretary determines has a demonstrated ability-- 7i7 to address education and training related to careers in transportation and manufacturing sectors2 and 7ii7 to carry out certain activities1 including-- 7,i7 developing and implementing career pathways and programs of study that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials in transportation sectors2 7,,ii7 providing on-the-job training or work-based learning opportunities in transportation sectors2 7,,iii7 developing dual or concurrent enrollment programs to provide education and training opportunities to secondary school students2 7,,iv7 providing education and training for the development of a workforce skilled in various types of emerging technologies in transportation sectors1 including intelligent transportation technologies and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies2 7,v7 partnering with employers1 labor organizations1 local workforce development boards1 ,state workforce development boards1 ,state educational agencies1 and eligible agencies to address education and training related to careers in transportation sectors2 7,,vi7 providing greater opportunities to underrepresented individuals in the various careers within the transportation sector2 and 7,,vii7 providing outreach and career counseling to increase participation in transportation sectors4 7,b7 ,geographical diversity ,to the extent practicable1 in designating ,centers of ,excellence under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall select institutions of higher education that are geographically diverse4 7#c7 ,collaboration ,to address education and training related to careers in transportation sectors1 a ,center of ,excellence may seek to collaborate with an institution receiving a grants under section #eeje of title #di4 7#d7 ,grants to centers of excellence 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program 7in this subsection referred to as the ,program7 to award grants on a competitive basis1 as determined by the ,secretary1 to ,centers of ,excellence to address education and training related to careers in transportation sectors4 7,b7 ,eligible projects ,grant funds awarded under the ,program may only be used for a project that facilitates an activity described in paragraph 7#b74 7,c7 ,applications ,to be eligible for a grant under the ,program1 a ,center of ,excellence shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7,d7 ,requirement ,for each fiscal year1 not less than #aj percent of the total amounts made available for the ,program shall be used for grants for training in emerging technologies1 including intelligent transportation technologies4 7,e7 ,limitations 7i7 ,maximum amount ,the amount of a grant under the ,program may not exceed #b1jjj1jjj4 7ii7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the cost of a project carried out by a grant under the ,program-- 7,i7 shall be #ajj percent for a project carried out in fiscal year #bjbb or #bjbc2 and 7,,ii7 may not exceed #ge percent for a project carried out in any of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbf4 7,f7 ,report ,each recipient of a grant under the ,program shall submit to the ,secretary a report in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary determines appropriate to evaluate the grant1 including-- 7i7 information relating to the use of grant funds awarded to the recipient under the ,program2 and 7ii7 an evaluation of each project carried out with the grant funds1 including-- 7,i7 the percentage1 and median earnings1 of individuals participating in or benefitting from the project 7referred to in this clause as the participants7 who are in unsubsidized employment by the date that is #ij days after exit from the project2 7,,ii7 the percentage of participants who are in unsubsidized employment by the date that is #ahj days after exit from the project2 7,,iii7 the percentage of participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential1 or a secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent1 during the project or not later than #a year after exit from the project2 7,,iv7 the percentage of participants who1 during the project-- 7aa7 enrolled in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment2 or 7bb7 developed skills necessary to receive such credential or employment2 and 7,v7 the percentage of underrepresented individuals in various careers within the transportation sector that developed skills in various types of intelligent transportation technologies and components1 infrastructure1 and equipment related to those technologies4 7,g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #ae1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 4 #aj4 ,transportation workforce outreach program 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ee of subtitle ,,iii of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eejf4 ,transportation workforce outreach program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 shall establish and administer a transportation workforce outreach program1 under which the ,secretary shall carry out a series of public service announcement campaigns during each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purpose of the campaigns carried out under the program under this section shall be-- 7#a7 to increase awareness of career opportunities in the transportation sector1 including aviation pilots1 safety inspectors1 mechanics and technicians1 maritime transportation workers1 air traffic controllers1 flight attendants1 truck drivers1 engineers1 transit workers1 railroad workers1 and other transportation professionals2 7#b7 to reduce any stigma or misinformation related to careers in the transportation sector2 7#c7 to identify and emphasize the existing and future needs of emerging technologies within the transportation sector2 and 7#d7 to increase diversity1 including with respect to race1 gender1 ethnicity1 and socioeconomic status1 of professionals in the transportation sector4 7c7 ,advertising ,the ,secretary may use1 or authorize the use of1 amounts made available to carry out the program under this section for the development1 production1 and use of broadcast1 digital1 and print media advertising and outreach in carrying out a campaign under this section4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbf4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for subchapter ,i of chapter #ee of subtitle ,,iii of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #eeje the following3 #eejf4 ,transportation workforce outreach program4 4 #aa4 ,emerging technologies in the transportation workforce 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,transportation4 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7b7 ,emerging technologies recommendation efforts ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall implement certain recommendations of the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states identified in the report entitled ,automated ,technologies3 ,,dot ,should ,take ,steps to ,ensure ,its ,workforce ,has ,skills ,needed to ,oversee ,safety and dated ,december #bjbj1 including by-- 7#a7 carrying out efforts to identify all cybersecurity occupations across the ,department1 and incorporating the occupations relating to overseeing the cybersecurity of automated technologies into the workforce planning efforts of the ,department2 7#b7 assessing skill gaps in key occupations that are involved in overseeing the safety of automated technologies and implementing strategies to close those gaps2 7#c7 not less frequently than annually1 measuring the progress of strategies implemented to close the skill gaps described in paragraph 7#b7 and ensuring other modal administrations of the ,department offer training to close those gaps2 7#d7 collecting and analyzing information on the effectiveness of recruiting strategies1 including special payment authorities1 in attracting employees of the ,department to occupations that oversee the safety of automated technologies2 and 7#e7 sharing the effective recruiting strategies described in paragraph 7#d7 with other modal administrations of the ,department4 7c7 ,emerging technologies coordination effort ,the ,office of ,research1 ,development1 and ,technology of the ,department and the ,intelligent ,transportation ,systems ,joint ,program ,office of the ,department shall coordinate-- 7#a7 to establish a curriculum and leverage existing ,department workforce programs to ensure the recruitment and training of cybersecurity and privacy technical experts to assist any modal administration of the ,department in overseeing the effectiveness and safety of emerging technologies2 and 7#b7 to use the efforts carried out by the ,secretary under subsection 7b7 to provide a growing workforce for transportation providers in the ,united ,states that is adept in the curriculum and workforce programs described in paragraph 7#a74